Rise Up

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, 
but in RISING every time we fall.
Confucius

As some of you know, I competed in the Ironman in 2009. One year prior in August 2008, I DECLARED I was going to compete in the IM 2009. Keep in mind, I had never ridden a bike “clipped in”, swam in open water or participated in a triathlon. That’s right, never competed in a triathlon (not even a sprint).
I have lots of stories to share with you about my IM experience, but I want to share a story today about one of my first longer training rides (2 ½ hour ride). After I had practiced a few times being clipped in and rode some shorter distances, I thought I was ready to ride with a group of cyclists. So, I went on a ride with my coach and a few other athletes.
The ride was really tough…mid 90’s, up and down hills (the climbs were treacherous and the descents were frightening to a new cyclist).
After about an hour and 1/2 , I was fatigued trying to keep up with the experienced cyclists. As the group pulled up to stop at a light, my inexperience at being clipped in showed. I fell over and got skinned my leg up. I got up and shook it off…but, my confidence was a bit shaken.
We kept cycling and the heat was getting worse. I was having a hard time keeping up with the group and was dragging back.
My coach said that was it for the day. He and I were finished and the others went on.
My confidence was shaken as anyone’s would have been. My mind even started to wander…”Oh my Lord, I barely made a two hour ride. How in the world am I going to make six hours plus.”
But, then I caught myself….I made a decision that very day to take my training one day at a time. To not think about a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run all put together. I was going to complete each training day that my experienced coach had assigned me and have faith that if I complete each day, I will be prepared in one year. I also knew that some training days wouldn’t be as good as others…but, I was going to give it my all every day. I remember telling myself “Crush each work-out, Crush the plan”. The mind is powerful and I made a decision that day to use it to my advantage.
We are going to be faced with challenges and fall sometimes, but we must RISE. We must learn from our failures. I looked at that riding day and realized I needed to work on hydrating better. I sweat a lot…and I need to be prepared for the heat and humidity.
I decided to learn from that day, put it behind me and came out more determined on the next ride.
I did work up to 112 mile bike ride (and a 2.4 mile swim before and a marathon after).

I don’t have any special powers. We all have the ability to achieve whatever goals we set. So, whatever your goal, set your mind to it. You will face challenges, learn from them and then RISE UP.

Indiana 50 miler

Start Line of Race 6am

On April 20^th at 6am the first annual Indiana 100/50 Ultramarathon in Chain O’ Lakes State Park began.  The course is a 16.67 mile loop( So the 50 milers completed 3 loops and the 100 milers, 6).  It has the makings of a pr course; not many hills, not technical and very pretty.  What no one was expecting was for the temperatures to be at freezing and for the State Park trails to be flooded. 

The race officials attempted to re-route the course as best they could.  But, in many instances there either was no way to re-route us or the re-route was still treacherous but the better option.  For some of the loop we were going through areas with water up to our knees.  Actually, a few spots it might be as long as 25 yards that you had to make it through with water up to your knees.  Other times, you were slogging through mud up to your ankles and this obviously got worse as the day went on as more people trampled on it. 

Coming out of this mud, as you can imagine, it felt like you were lifting your legs that now weighed an extra 5 pounds each (each shoe all wet and muddy).  The frigid temps also made it hard to keep warm after coming out of the water.

We tried to laugh about the conditions, make light of the situation “quack quack” and kept our spirits high.  We joked saying this sure makes for a good story.  But, as the day went on, people began dropping out and chatter was going on with some of the runners running the 100 that they were dropping back to the 50. 

I had fully recovered from being sick back in March.  I was feeling great and ready to have a great race.  I knew the course was forgiving so was ready to blast out a great 50.  What you can never plan for is the conditions.  Kinda like life, there are some things you just can’t plan for and you have to adapt. 

My mind set was to dig in and get to the finish line.  It took a lot of extra energy and time to get through the water and mud; but, I got through it and tried to make the best of the dry parts of the trail.

I had lots of time to myself out on the trails and some of the time, I chatted with the fellow runners. I met some interesting folks along the way. 

My mom went with me to this race.  My husband stayed home to care for the kiddos and get them to all their sporting events.  It was so nice to have  my Mom with me.  I know it was just a training event for the big race in August but 50 miles is nothing to laugh at.  50 miles is still an undertaking and it was nice to have her there…especially under the conditions.  It was great to see her face and hear her voice as I would jog up to the aid station.  She was right there to help me with whatever I needed.  My shoes and socks were so wet and muddy…and my feet were so cold that I could not feel them.  I would switch my shoes and socks each loop and even though they were only dry for a few miles, it was nice to warm my feet back up. 

My mom met me at the last aid station before finishing (8 miles to go).  And I looked at her and said, “Do you want to pace me in?”  My mom knew I would not ask her if I didn’t need her.  So, she said” sure”.  

Mind you, she was not prepared to do this.  Thankfully, she had tennis shoes on; but we laughed at how she was dressed otherwise for an ultra event.  She had a black hat on with a flower and a pink scarf.  Many runners were in gear that looked pretty rough and tough and there is my mom in a hat with a flower.  It gave us a few good laughs.  And that’s what I love about her, “she doesn’t care, she just wants to get the job done”.  This 8 miles with my Mom was so special.  Experiencing this life experience with her was amazing.  It says so much about her character.  She didn’t flinch when I asked her to come along.  I needed her and she was there….and she’s not really a runnerJ

Go Momma Go!

The Sun did Shine:-)

This race was a great character builder; anything worth getting in life is never easy (or as they say, everyone would be doing it).  To finish under conditions like that makes you feel like you can do anything.  The results show only 57 out of 152 runners finished the 100 miler and 77 of 100 runners finished the 50 miler.  I share this not to share in someone’s frustration that he/she was not able to finish; but, the numbers really illustrate just how hard the course was under the conditions. 

I look back on yesterday and am so grateful; grateful for the time in nature, grateful for the challenge, grateful for the time with my Mom, grateful for the camaraderie with the other runners, grateful for my mental strength and for FINISHING.

When you face a challenge in your life, no matter what area, and you can not control the situation; control how you react to it.  You have a choice to fold or to dig in; to face whatever it is head on and get it done.

***If you are thinking of running the Indiana 100/50 next year, I do think it would be a great course under most normal conditions.  And I have to say, the race directors and volunteers were top notch.  

Adjusting the Sails

I always believe in finishing what you start.  The finish line in this race however was a bit different than normal.  This goal was actually probably even a bit harder for me.  The finish line was to listen to my body.  It was questionable if I should even start the race.  I was scheduled to run a 50 miler training race yesterday in preparation for the 100 miler in August.  I was still a bit sick and my body was pretty run down from being ill and on so many meds. Starting the race on oral steroids, Zpac, inhaler, etc is not really the best way to begin an endurance race. 

I was actually surprised I got sick.  My training has been going so well.  I have been eating well, getting rest and really taking care of myself.  I guess I just caught some nasty bug.  I was fully confident that if I would have been healthy this race would be challenging but a step forward and one that I was ready to undertake.  I always love the life lessons I learn from all of these experiences. 

So, deciding to start the goal wasn’t to finish 50 miles. The goal became to listen to my body and make a smart decision.  Hmmmm.  I can push, push, push.  But, knowing when to call it (if I needed to) would be hard.  My ultimate goal is the 100 on August 10^th.  So, I needed to make a smart decision.  I knew I could select another 50 miler to run within the next few weeks.  So, the goal was to start the race and see how I felt.

My sister even questioned me starting as she knew how frustrated and disappointed she thought I could become.  However, that’s not my attitude.  I had decided I was going to be happy with whatever I could accomplish under these conditions.  Starting and running any distance would be better than not starting at all.  Plus,  I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel the morning of the race (I mean what if I had some miraculous recovery over night??), so I wanted to give it a go. 

Boy, was this an adventure…right from the arrival at my lovely hotel/cabin accommodations.  They say pictures are worth 1,000 words.  Let’s just say I will let them do the talking.

Probably not the best way to begin an endurance race.

The cleaning team's fix for a dirty couch.

 Sleeping arrangements (hoping to avoid the cooties...the more layers the better).

Wasn't about to take my shoes off in this place.  My covers for the evening were some (hopefully) clean towels.

The view at the start of the race made it all worth it:-)

Well, I succeeded at my goal.  I started the race not feeling the best.  Glad I participated and got in a good training run.  I decided to call it a day after about 5 ½ hours of running.  I was able to experience a wonderful trail run.  If you are looking for a fairly easy beautiful course that’s nicely organized, this is a great run (Land Between the Lakes).

Now, gonna get well, recover and select a 50 miler to run within the next few weeks.

When striving for a long term goal, you will always face challenges.  You have to be flexible and able to adjust the sails.  I have adjusted them a bit, had an exciting adventure and now am getting back on course.

She Inspires Me.

She Inspires Me.

She works a full-time job while running a household with three busy children, attending most all of her children’s sporting events and extracurricular activities, taking and dropping off her kiddos to practice, volunteering at their school and always offering to help.

Her infectious smile and personality LIGHT up a room.  She is the first to walk over and greet you and ask how you are doing.  She has a way of making those around her feel good.

One thing you would not know is that Jennifer has been battling Stage 4 colon rectal cancer since December 2010.  She does have a family history of colon cancer but had no symptoms when she was diagnosed at age 43, and it had already metastasized to the liver and lung.  The doctors were able to take out the diseased colon but are still managing the liver and lung.  She has been told her cancer is manageable, not curable.

Jennifer inspires me: the way she lives her life, her infectious smile and personality, the LIGHT she gives to others.  My watching her live her life with cancer really puts things into perspective. 

Over the last few months, I have become a lot closer to Jennifer.  She has a son in the 5^th grade with our son.  Jennifer also works at a promotional company and helps me with various merchandise for my company, Shine On. 

Having some fun at the Taste of SRS together:-)

One day, we got into a deeper conversation of her condition and how she chooses to live her life.  Her positive attitude and the way she handles her cancer is evident even from her initial reaction to her diagnosis.  She said when the doctor first shared the news, “I was glad they discovered it when they did so they could treat it.  And I also felt a sense of happiness.  I was happy it was me and not my mom or a sister or family member.  I knew I could handle it.  I was ok if I was the example to the rest of the family.  It made my two brothers and two sisters go get a colonscopy.”

She discussed with me how important she thinks attitude is on her cancer journey.  She feels it is almost all mental.  She said “you can make yourself have a great day or you can make yourself have a bad day.”  She thinks hospitals are depressing and tries to stay away from them.  She doesn’t like to see people on ventilators, etc.  When she goes in for treatment, she doesn’t like to hear other people’s stories about their cancer treatments.  She wants to be there for people; but, if she is not careful too much of the negative talk can take over.  So, she likes to stay away from it to help manage her journey.  She says some people “let it take over their lives and it is their life”.  Jennifer said cancer is “part of her life”  but not “her life”. 

That is why she said although she knows support groups help some cancer patients, her family and friends are her support group. She doesn’t want to go to a group session and listen to depressing stories. If she needs to talk to someone, she shares her stories or feelings with a family member or friend and then moves on.

She did share that chemotherapy is challenging.  She continues to work and will take a day off to have therapy and then will go back to work the next day.  But, she said she doesn’t feel good for about 2-3 days following the treatment.

Getting the best quality of life is important to her.  Quantity is important too with three children but she is aware that she may not live as long.  She wants her family to continue to see her be strong.

I asked her how she feels that having cancer has changed her.  She said she always had a positive outlook on life and a positive attitude so that helped her deal with the diagnosis and journey but the cancer has changed her positively as well.  She said she feels like she takes things on a lighter level.  Her stress level has gone down.  She realizes what’s important and doesn’t stress over the little things.  She is much more light hearted and can laugh at herself.  She said she has noticed her kids always are saying now, “Mom, you are always laughing.”

She also realized how much people care about you, and to accept the help.  For the first 6 months of her diagnosis, a mother at St. Raphael organized a ‘meal train’.  So, for about 5 nights/week, a family at SRS would drop a meal off at their house for dinner.  She said it was so helpful and it meant so much to her that people cared that much. 

Not only having a positive attitude and a strong support system; but Jennifer said her faith in God has been instrumental in her journey. She puts her trust in God.  She knows there is a reason why she was chosen for this and feels it is in God’s hands. When she was in the hospital the very first time…she prayed and prayed that she would just get out of the hospital and be able to live a normal life.  And she feels her prayers were answered.

Jennifer, you are a model for us all…from your initial reaction to your diagnosis, your positive attitude, your selflessness, your self- awareness, your openness, your honesty and your strength.  You show us all that anything is Possible.  That having a challenge in your life doesn’t mean it has to become your life.  You give us perspective.

You SHINE with grace and strength.

Things that make me feel good.

Things that make me feel good.

A hug from one of my kiddos, a sweet text from my husband, putting a smile on someone’s face, my parents, helping someone, a massage, yoga class, a good work-out, seeing someone succeed, being outdoors, watching my kiddos do something they love....the list goes on and on. 

But, today, I want to write about something else that makes me feel good: nutrition. 

What makes me really, really feel good is putting the right nutrients in my body.  I am trying to eat for peak performance but also to achieve overall wellness and to just plain feel good. 

I have done a lot of research and reading over the years to find the right fuel for my body.  A few things recently I have discovered on my journey that are making me feel great:

1)     Apple Cider Vinegar: Was reading a book written by an endurance athlete who discussed his experience with Apple Cider Vinegar and the benefits. His points were so compelling; I decided to do a little research of my own. 

The body is constantly trying to achieve inner balance and a state of equilibrium.  Apple Cider Vinegar helps the body maintain a healthy alkaline PH level.  Research shows higher acid levels (lower PH levels) lead to lack of energy and higher incidence of infection.  So, the ACV alkalizes my body’s PH.  This is especially great in the morning if you drink coffee.  It will help to offset that. 

Upon drawing conclusions from everything I had read, I thought I would give it a try.  I started about 4 weeks ago putting two tbsp in a large glass of water in the morning before my nutri-bullet drink.  I cannot speak for everyone, but I can say what I have experienced: increase in energy, clearer skin, decrease in nasal and sinus congestion and feel great! 

The apple cider vinegar must be raw, organic and unpasteurized.  If it is not, it loses all of its nutritional benefits.  Apple Cider Vinegar is a product of fermentation.  The juice from the organic apples turns to apple cider then to apple cider vinegar.  These two fermentation processes make this drink the powerhouse that it is.

I use the Bragg’s brand.  But, there are a few others out there.

Ingredients:

Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules

INTERNAL BENEFITS:	EXTERNAL BENEFITS:
Rich in enzymes & potassium Support a healthy immune system Helps control weight Promotes digestion & ph Balance Helps soothe dry throats Helps remove body sludge toxins	Helps maintain healthy skin Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies Soothes irritated skin Relieves muscle pain from exercise

2) Coconut Water: It’s an all-natural way for me to get electrolytes (and replace electrolytes lost after a work-out).  Less sugar and sodium content compared to most sports drinks on the market while still providing potassium, calcium and chloride.   

3) Raw honey: Winnie the Pooh was certainly onto somethingJ Raw, unpasteurized honey is more digestible than any other sweetener and also contains enzymes to help the food along. 

The rapid absorption of honey monosacharides, and the slower metabolism of fructose content make honey a popular source of energy for athletes, particularly endurance athletes.

Honey is composed primarily of carbohydrates (natural sugars) and water, as well as trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. 1 Tsp of honey is about 21 calories full of nutrients and all natural.

I put raw honey in some of the smoothie drinks I make.

4)   Maca Root: Peruvian Ginseng. This raw maca root powder is packed with amino acide, vitamins and minerals.  For athletes, maca has been shown to improve stamina and reduce the onset of exercise –induced soreness.  I add this to my morning smoothie.
5)     Spirulina: According to my research, Spirulina has the highest % of complete protein by weight of any food.  Packed with vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidents, studies have shown for endurance athletes a correlation with expedited recovery.  I put this or Hemp seeds in my morning smoothies.  The Spirulina has a bit of a seaweed taste (just wanted to make you aware).
6)     Hemp Seeds: great balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 and is a high quality, complete raw food protein.  From my research, although both Hemp and Spiruluna are raw protein sources, they possess a few different benefits making them both important.  So, I use both. 

I have been putting a lot of great nutrients in my body over the last several weeks and have been feeling amazing.  It’s hard to say which superfood  I put in me makes me feel one way or another. All I can say is I have been feeling great! If I could bottle up this feeling and sell it, I would:-)

Please don’t take my word for it---do your own research, experiment, and as always, everything in moderation.

Studies of varying legitimacy do exist as well as anecdotal experiences/accounts.  But, large scale peer reviewed trials require funding.  For-profit companies generally do not want to put the money into validating all-natural products/remedies.  So, again…please research and derive your own opinions from the information you find.

And if you have any tips on nutrition for optimum health, please share!  I would love to hear!

Holy Smokes

Holy Smokes…I am one busy bee!

If I actually stop and think about what all I have going on…

Starting a company (wearing lots and lots of hats).

Taking care of kiddos, dog.

Training for 100 mile race.

Fundraising for race.

Volunteering for charity events.

It’s enough to make anyone want to pull their hair out and say, “Calgone Take me away” J

People ask me how do I do it and still have a smile on my face (well most of the timeJ)?

I start with writing my goals down in areas of family, faith, health and career.  Then, I develop a plan to accomplish the goals and then prioritize each day and FIND A WAY!

If it’s a goal of mine, I find a way to get it done.  Take training for the race.  I have to make sacrifices.  On a business trip, I am up at 4am running some days.  Other nights, when some are winding down with a relaxing glass of wine, I am training.  Of course, I am like anyone else after being on my feet all day at a trade show selling, I want to relax; but, I know to reach my goal…I’ve got to get it done. So I do.

I normally run longer runs back to back on Friday and Saturdays. But, I was having difficulty getting a sitter for my Saturday run so had to shuffle a few things around and get it done on Thursday and Friday.  So, today we had an ice storm.  Could have been an easy excuse to get out of my long run.  The roads and trails were slick.  So, what did I do…found a way to get it done.  Even if it was 23 miles on a treadmill.  Yes, 23 miles at the gym on a treadmill.  But, I got it done.  No excuses.

Same for other areas of my life.  I prioritize and get it done. 

Over the years, I have learned the importance of balance.  I now make sure to schedule time in for relaxation, yoga, etc.  Even if I don’t have time for a yoga class (especially since the mileage has been picking up in my training or if I’m traveling for business), I do some poses at home or in my hotel room.  I am going to make it a goal to get to two classes/week.  It does wonders for my mind and spirit and it certainly helps my muscles stay limber while training.  

I have also learned that I am not going to do everything perfect and I am ok with that.  When I prioritize, I accept that some things are going to have to be on the back burner.  My close friends and family know what some of my "back burners" are.....can anyone say matching socks:-) And that is ok.  I can not do it all.

Same goes for you.  What do you want to accomplish in 2013?

Dream Big, set goals, work hard and watch the magic begin.

I always hear….I don’t have time for this or that.  Whatever the person’s goal is…..health: I don’t have time to work-out; Broken marriage: I’m so busy I don’t have time to go to counseling; career: complaining about the job he/she is in…but never doing anything about it.

Guys and gals…If it is a priority for you and your happiness and well-being depend on it….you are so busy you don’t have time NOT to do these things.

We all have the same time in a day.  We all have 24 hours.  Yet how do some seem to get so much done while others are left wondering where the day has gone?  Acknowledge the distractions in your life.  How much time do you waste on TV, the web, FB, gossiping….there are always things you can cut out.  You can also get up earlier.  It’s amazing what you can do if you just get up 15-30 minutes earlier. Surround yourself with positive people.  Have self discipline, self respect.  And yes, take time to relax.

So, the next time you want to pull your hair out…cause we are human…take a deep breath in…exhale, set your goals, prioritize and try and put that smile onJ

I saw God.

I Saw God.

Often times on my runs, I feel the presence of God.  I get into some sort of active meditation.

On my run this past Wednesday in Atlanta, I was feeling particularly close to God.  I was enjoying the beautiful scenery, praying and had this feeling something  was going to happen.

As I ran through Piedmont Park, I came to what appeared to be the boundary of the park but the trail continued on to the left.  I decided to follow it.

I ran for a bit and then saw a bridge.  I was on the verge of running through it when I noticed clues under the bridge that there were people living under there.  I have to admit I picked up my pace a bit, my heart beat a bit faster and was hyper aware of my surroundings.  I looked up to my left as I ran under the bridge and a gentleman looked down at me with a friendly smile and said, “Hi”.  I responded in kind.

As I exited the bridge underpass, I ran a couple of strides and turned around.  I decided to give the homeless man some dignity and ask him if it was safe to run down the path I was on.  He explained it was the railway belt or something like that.  He gave me direction and said not to run past the railroad tracks.

I thanked him and joked if I didn’t make it back in a bit, to look for me.

I was amazed at how he had his place set up.  It was set up like an actual home.  Old pictures lined the top of the concrete wall, I could see an old poster framed in plastic propped up in the dirt.  It was evident the pride he had in his living area. 

As I ran on, I had this feeling I was supposed to meet him.

I continued on the trail where I ran into another man, Scott.  Again, greeted him, shook his hand, introduced myself and felt as though I was supposed to meet him.  I explained to Scott that I was running a race for the Family Scholar House and what that was.  During our conversation, Scott shared his story. 

Scott was in the Vietnam War.  When he came back from the War, he moved to Atlanta and held a part-time job for a while but it didn’t last.  He became homeless and now he just gets by.  He doesn’t have any family around.

I told him I wished I had something to give him and if I ran through the area again, I would bring something.  He humbly responded, “Don’t feel like you have too.  But if you do, thank you.”

I told him about my blog for the race and asked him if he minded if I mentioned him.  He smiled and said, “That’s fine.” 

I took a picture of him and told him I would keep him in my prayers and ran on.

I reached the railroad tracks and turned around as the other man suggested.  When I ran back toward the bridge, I felt again like I was supposed to talk to the man under the bridge.  As I ran through, he was gone.  I thought, “Man, and he was supposed to be looking out for me?” I figured that with talking to Scott, I took too long and he must have thought I ran a different direction.

Anyway, a bit disappointed he wasn’t there, I ran on.  I thought, “I guess if it was God’s will and meant to be, it would have happened.”

I ran on various trails throughout the park and then low and behold at a picnic table- there he was.

We both smiled and waved.  I ran up to him, shook his hand and introduced myself.  He introduced himself.  Everyone, meet James, “Skeets”.

He said when he didn’t see me come back, he walked down the trail a bit looking for me and just assumed I took a different route.  I explained to him about my run, purpose of the run and feeling a need to help the poor.  I told him I talked with the man down the trail from him and that was the delay in my getting back.  He couldn’t believe the other man, Scott, had talked to me.  He said he has never talked to him and doesn’t really talk to anyone.  He told me when someone gives him money, he likes to give away half of it.  He will often walk down to Scott (he didn’t even know his name until I told him) and offer him money.  Scott will wave him off like he doesn’t want any money and then James will just sit it beside him.  James said the only thing he really knows about Scott is he likes to drink regular Coke and doesn’t think he drinks alcohol. 

James said many of his friends think he’s crazy for always giving away money.  I was amazed.

In the course of our conversation, he shared his story with me.

His mom was shot when he was 12.  He tried to find the person that shot her but couldn’t.  He said he then just took it out on others.  I didn’t ask exactly what that meant but he said his record wasn’t good and really no one would hire him. And so the vicious cycle began.  He was on his own at a young age trying to make it.

He said as time went on , he changed his ways but his record followed him.  Still no one would hire him.  He would do jobs for cash and after a while had enough money to buy chips and snacks to sell to people. He said the police found out he was doing this and warned him to stop because he wasn’t paying taxes on any of it.  He said the police like him around the area so they just gave him a warning.  That was his livelihood so he continued.  He got caught again and the police said, “Skeets, this is your last warning and if you are caught again we are going to have to put you in jail.” He said he stopped for good.

He said he has been in his “home” for a while now.  I said how great his place looked.  I could sense his pride.  He told me he takes in “homeless” people when it is cold or raining.  That really moved me. 

He said he makes a little money from the business near his home as “behind the scenes security”.  They pay him cash to make sure no one breaks into cars in the parking lot. 

James was married and has 3 kids.  He said he has a good relationship with his oldest son.  His oldest is in a community college and trying to make it.  He said his son “will come and kick it with him”.

It sounded like his being homeless in adulthood had been on and off again.

It came up in conversation it was his 45^th birthday the next day.  I told him I needed to continue on my run and explained my blog.  He was happy to be a part.

I ran away with a deep sense of purpose. 

I saw God in both of them.  This can happen in the most unexpected places and times.

Premium Gas

Achieving any kind of goal in my life, I need to have a good plan (a written plan complete with strategies and tactics) and then work really, really hard.

With a physical goal, my plan always focuses on three primary areas: mental training, physical training and nutrition.

Nutrition is so important to performing at my peak at anything in my life.  When I eat better, I feel better, am happier and achieve more. 

Our bodies house the dreams and goals of our mind.  It is our premium car.  We need to fuel it with premium nutrition.

Leading up to my race, I am fueling my body with plant-based whole foods; staying away from meat, dairy and eggs.  I am focusing on fruits, veggies, whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, lentils).

So excited when I received the NutriBullet for Christmas from my Mom and Dad!  The absolute perfect gift to help achieve my goals!  I have juiced in the past and although I love juicing, it does create a mess and a big clean-up.  It also takes out some of the nutrients of the foods. 

The NutriBullet pulverizes the fruits and veggies, leaving the most optimal amount of the nutrients available for our bodies. 

I cannot believe how easy the ‘Bullet’ is!  I am so happy that my parents found this for me.  I am not getting paid by the company and am not a sales rep….but, just telling you from my personal experience…it is an easy way to get healthy! 

I am on a business trip in Atlanta right now. Often times this is an easy way to make an excuse to stray from healthy habits.  To ensure I am on track, I brought the ‘Bullet’ and some whole, raw foods.  One of my favorites right now is blending some spinach, kale, banana, pear, blueberries, organic raw maca and a bit of raw cacao.  Packed with fuel for my body and mind…and tastes good too!

I also like blending avocado, cucumber, spinach, pineapple, pear and lemon. 

Happy to be able to continue to fuel my body even in a hotel room! 

This pic is from our hotel room.

This is a picture of a drink made up of rasberries, strawberries, apples, banana and spinach. This one is good for you and tastes great....my kids love this one!!  In fact, my 10 year now loves to create his own concoctions.  

This is a pic from our home of the "green machine" drink (as I call it) :-)  (avocado, cucumber, kale, spinach, broccoli, pineapple, pear, lemon).

How do you wrap your mind around 100 miles?

How do you wrap your mind around 100 miles?

People ask me that a lot.  In fact, they asked me how I wrapped my mind around the Ironman and running my first Ultra distance of 56 miles. 

The answer is early on in the training-I don’t.  

I am not ready to run 100 miles (just like I was not ready to compete in the Ironman 10 months before the race).  In fact, I had never participated in one triathlon when I signed up for the Ironman.  I had never swam in the open water and had never ridden clipped in to a bike.

There were days training for the Ironman that I thought I was going to die.  I can remember after one long ride and run in the sweltering heat and humidity (mid-summer in Louisville) and trying to keep up with the group.  I finished the work-out, got in my car and cried (and I don’t cry often).  Then, when I got home, took a quick shower and before I could even get myself dressed, I sat down to take a rest and passed out….that’s how completely empty my tank was.

If I had completely focused on the fact that I was going to have to swim 2.6 miles before that  ride, add 70 miles to the bike ride and then run an extra 15 miles to the run that day….it would have been overwhelming.  That’s where and when lots of people end up giving up.  It seems so hard on one particular training day and then they can not wrap their mind around how they could possibly do anything more. 

So my advice to you is…don’t try to wrap your brain around it early on.  Just get through what you have to do for that day and feel satisfaction knowing you reached your goal for that day.  There will be bumps in the rode that will probably not allow you to complete every work-out and that is to be expected.  But, know it is a long haul and get back in the saddle and get back out there.

I focused on crushing my plan every day and that was it.  Now, the day of the first long bike ride, it’s safe to say I didn’t crush it.  But, I did what I could, learned from it and moved on.  I knew my next ride I could do that much and maybe a bit more.  It was about building my body and mind.

While I do not focus on how will I ever do 100 miles when 20-30-40 are challenging right now.  I do visualize myself running the 100 miles in Alaska.  I visualize myself effortlessly running through the trails of Alaska taking in the sites and finishing the race.   But I don’t get caught up if I am tired at the end of 20 miles right now thinking “wow….and I have to run 80 more”. I trust the plan. I trust in my work ethic.  I trust in my persistence and determination and focus on crushing the plan each day.

Purpose

Hi, I am Kim Andriole.  This is my first-ever blog.  I start with hesitancy.  In the past, I have never been one to talk about a journey, a challenge, while I was experiencing it; I waited until I was done and, if people were interested, I was glad to talk about it.  

This journey, however, is different.  This is more than a personal pursuit.  This is about combining a dream of my son’s, a community need, and one of my gifts to accomplish a goal larger than anything I have tried before.

Let me start with my son’s dream, actually his prayer:  My son always prays, "Lord, please help the poor not be poor anymore." He has been praying this since he was five years old (he is now 10).  I have always thought, "My, that is one tall order."  But, I always continued to pray with him.

Recently, I learned of the Family Scholar House.  Their mission is to end the cycle of poverty through education. The people enrolled in the program are working hard to earn a four year college degree.  They do not want a temporary fix.  They want a change that will impact their lives and the lives of their families, a change that will make them independent. The Family Scholar House partners with the participants of the program, helping them not only in their efforts to earn a 4 year college degree but also offering participants life skill classes on interviewing skills, managing a budget, buying a home, etc.

A light bulb went off!  Why not use my gifts to help make a difference in this world.  Why not combine my gifts and passion with a purpose.  Even if it is small, I can do something.  In a very small way, I can "help the poor not be poor anymore".

So, my journey begins.  On July 28^th, 2013, I will run a 100 mile race in Alaska to benefit the Family Scholar House.  My goal is to raise $100,000.  I understand that amount seems like a lofty goal.  And frankly to many, so does running 100 miles all at once.  I am sure that many of the participants in the FSH felt that achieving a college degree was a lofty goal.  Many have probably been told that obtaining a college education was nothing more than a dream and that it is not possible. Yet, these participants find it in themselves to believe “it is possible” and work to achieve and break the cycle of poverty.  That motivates me to run 100 miles and work to earn $100,000 for the Family Scholar House.  I believe it is possible.  I believe they are possible.

I am stepping out of my comfort zone to raise money for Family Scholar House.  I am stepping out of my comfort zone to share stories and write of my journey but I do this for the people of the FSH.  I will also write about others I meet along my journey.  Other people who are on a journey of their own to making the impossible, possible. 

I hope you will join us!